More on Postpartum Depression

I just re read Kate’s post from Karen Kleiman about the negative messaging about exclusive breastfeeding. Boy, that was a risky editorial to write and yet, as a clinician it was helpful. It’s so much easier for me to work with moms when there’s some flexibility in MY OWN THINKING.  I’ve found that if I’m rigid and approach women with only one option, we are much more likely to fail.  It’s too hard for everyone to follow the same path. 
 
Of course I’d love for all of my patients to be in a position to exclusively breastfeed, but as it turns out, every woman has their own particular set of challenges that can make that impossible.  I spoke to a local neonatologist who said, “I’d much rather have a mom breastfeed a few times a day and supplement with formula, if it means she can continue for months, than have her give up because she felt like a failure after working with someone who pushed breastfeeding so hard, it became an impossible goal, and she became discouraged.”
 
Any breastfeeding is good. And now, with the new developments in formulas, in bottles and nipples, moms have more options so that they can figure out the best way to feed and nurture their babies.